Maldives does not operate through one unified continental-style civil code. Civil rights and duties arise from the Constitution, specific statutes, regulations, court rules and agreements that comply with applicable legal and Shariah limits. The Constitution protects the rights of Maldivian citizens to acquire, own, inherit and transfer property. Private property is protected, while compulsory acquisition requires a public purpose, a legal basis, a court order and fair and adequate compensation. The Civil Court handles most civil disputes, including agreements, debt, payments, property, inheritance, compensation, eviction, mortgages and document ratification. The Family Court handles marriage, divorce, custody, maintenance, guardianship, paternity and parentage. Magistrate Courts handle civil and family matters assigned to their judicial sectors, while the High Court and Supreme Court hear matters within their respective jurisdictions. The Registrar, Male' Municipality, island or city councils and oneGov channels also perform registration and administrative functions. The Civil Procedure Code 32/2021 covers pre-trial steps, hearings, evidence, judgments, court orders and enforcement. A civil claim may therefore involve filing, service, evidence, a decision and enforcement, but the exact steps depend on the claim and court. Costs and duration vary by case and court; no single general tariff or timetable applies to every civil matter. State legal aid primarily supports people who cannot afford legal assistance, but the extent of civil-law coverage must be confirmed for the particular case. Contract law is more fragmented than the court system. Disputes may concern private or public agreements, goods and services, payments, debt, interest or mortgages. The applicable statute, regulation, agreement and Shariah limits determine the result, and arbitration under the Arbitration Act 10/2013 may provide an alternative dispute option. Property registration, land transfers, leases, co-ownership and mortgages follow the Maldivian Land Act 1/2002 and related procedures. Family and inheritance matters can require Family Court or Civil Court documents, and inheritance shares or will limits may require Shariah-based analysis or a court order.
Civil law in Maldives
Civil law in Maldives governs legal relationships between private people and organisations, including contracts, property, family matters, inheritance, liability and court proceedings. The system relies on the Constitution, statutes, regulations and Islamic Shariah within the constitutional limits of Article 10. Different courts and authorities handle different matters, so the correct procedure depends on the subject and location.
Tip
Start by classifying the problem correctly, because the court, documents and available procedure depend on whether it concerns a contract, property, family matter, inheritance or another civil claim in Maldives. Preserve the agreement, registration records, payments and communications before taking action. Do not assume that court proceedings, arbitration or legal aid will have the same costs, timing or coverage in every case.